An empty-nest couple in the United States sold off most of their belongings and gave up their fixed abode after their youngest daughter went off to college. They opted for a “slow travel” lifestyle by long-term renting through Airbnb across the country, staying in each location for about 6 weeks.
According to a report by “People” magazine on October 19, Jamie Ochoa, 59, a former French teacher of 20 years who is now retired, and her 60-year-old husband Keith, who works remotely, initially planned for RV travel but later decided on a more refined approach, as Jamie put it, of living in various Airbnb rentals long-term. Since transitioning four years ago, the couple has visited dozens of places.
“We found that staying in one place for 6 weeks allows us enough time to do everything we want, without feeling bored or in a rush to move on to the next stop,” Jamie said.
She mentioned that staying approximately 6 weeks in each location not only allows them to experience local life, visit major attractions, and participate in activities, but also makes it easier to secure better prices on Airbnb.
This lifestyle change was not done in one fell swoop. The couple first moved from Virginia to Tennessee to establish residency for retirement living.
“We sold everything, leaving only the bare essentials, enough to move into a very, very small and cheap apartment in the countryside,” Jamie said.
This 30-year-old residence became their testing ground. Over two years, they would travel for about 3 months each time, returning to stay for a month. After adapting, they further downsized, storing only heirlooms and seasonal clothing in a mini-storage unit, returning every six months to also carry out medical appointments like doctor and dentist visits.
With their four adult children and other relatives scattered across 7 states, around 40% of their itinerary is devoted to visiting family, with the rest of their time spent exploring various parts of the U.S. This year, they have visited frozen lakes in Madison, Wisconsin, traversed the marshland areas of Louisiana, attended a fair in Iowa, and most recently ventured to the Black Hills region of South Dakota.
Jamie mentioned that they have converted their previous monthly household expenses, including mortgage, HOA fees, taxes, utilities, and even yard maintenance, into a budget for Airbnb rentals, with around $5000 per month available for use.
When selecting accommodations, the couple considers factors like price and location, treating it like buying a house.
“Many people think of vacation Airbnb, like a $10,000 beach house per week,” Jamie said. “We don’t book beachfront homes… I would love to live by the beach, but can’t afford the first row with ocean view, so we choose a place a few blocks away from the beach.”
This lifestyle also presents challenges. Jamie typically starts researching the next destination 6 to 8 months, or even earlier, in advance. She stated that without treating it as a full-time job, it would be impossible to do.
“Just understanding one place requires a lot of research, and then studying the community, the city, and where to stay takes a lot of time,” she said. Her husband also appreciates her efforts, “Because if I don’t put in the effort, we can’t do it.”
For families considering trying a nomadic lifestyle, Jamie’s advice is simple: “Start small.”
“We really like that we transitioned gradually,” she said. “You have to figure out your own way. My version may not be your version, someone might only want to be out for 4 months a year… everyone’s needs and desires are different, so give it a try first.”